Meet Chonz

Born and raised in Denver, Colorado, Mario Rodriguez, better known as DJ Chonz, grew up surrounded by hip-hop culture. Despite the challenges of growing up in an urban environment, his older brother, a graffiti artist and b-boy, guided him towards music, and DJing became his passion.

Like many immersed in hip-hop, Chonz explored b-boying, graffiti, and emceeing, but none clicked the way DJing did. Once he got behind the turntables, he knew he had found his true calling. Inspired by Denver's local DJ scene, he spent countless hours honing his craft in his basement.

 

But before he was known as DJ Chonz, he had to earn his name—even if it wasn't by choice.

"My brother's friends used to come over to the house when I was in junior high," says Chonz. "There were no boxers back then, so I wore whitey tighties, and when they came over, they'd say, 'Yo, chones (a Mexican slang word for underwear), go put some clothes on!' I used to kick it in my chones, and take out the trash in my chones, so my name was Chones for a while. Then people just started calling me Chonz."

Little did they know that nickname would eventually become synonymous with one of the most influential DJs in Colorado.

 

In 1996, Chonz's dedication paid off when he won a local radio DJ competition. This earned him a spot on KGNU's "Eclipse: Shedding of a Blacker Light" and set him on the path to becoming one of Colorado's most respected DJs.

Chonz quickly gained recognition, competing in national DJ battles like the DMC Mixing Championships and Guitar Center Mixing Championships and sharing stages with hip-hop legends including Dr. Dre, Eminem, Slick Rick, Snoop Dogg, The Roots, and Wu-Tang Clan's Raekwon.

 

Breaking Barriers in Radio & Taking Over Major Stages

In 2001, DJ Chonz became the first DJ to mix live on commercial radio in Denver, joining KS-107.5. What started as a live mix segment quickly turned into something bigger—he climbed the ranks to become an afternoon host and later a morning show personality, solidifying his status as one of Denver's most recognized voices on the airwaves. His energy, connection with listeners, and skills behind the turntables helped drive the station to #1 rankings in key demographics, making him a household name throughout Colorado.

His influence on the radio didn't just make waves locally—it opened doors to even bigger stages. Chonz was tapped to open for Lil Wayne vs. Drake at Red Rocks and played all the major Summer Jam series, sharing the stage with legends like Busta Rhymes, Nas, Pitbull, and Ludacris. His ability to control massive crowds and curate unforgettable experiences cemented his reputation as one of the most respected DJs in the game.

In 2002, Chonz became the first-ever DJ for the Denver Nuggets, setting the foundation for in-game entertainment that continues today. He returned to the big stage in 2023, performing at Monday Night Football for the Denver Broncos during Latino Heritage Month, further showcasing his deep connection to music and culture in Colorado.

 

Continuing the Legacy: DJ Chonz Today

With over 30 years of experience, DJ Chonz remains one of the most recognizable figures in Colorado's music scene. He promotes events, books DJs, and curates parties that reflect his passion for music and community.

Beyond performing, Chonz is committed to mentorship and education. As the owner and co-founder of Denver DJ School, he has built a platform that teaches aspiring DJs and creates jobs and opportunities for industry professionals. In 2024, Denver DJ School employed over 40 DJs, solidifying its reputation as a premier DJ education and talent development hub. Through DJ courses, music production workshops, and team-building experiences, the school continues to shape the next generation of DJs and artists.

 

Chonz also plays a vital role in youth education as a Senior Team Lead at Lake Middle School in Denver Public Schools (DPS), where Denver DJ School operates its program as an extension of its brick-and-mortar location. This initiative allows the school to bring DJing and music education directly into public schools, exposing more students to the art form and providing them with new creative outlets. In addition to teaching DJ skills, Chonz coaches teachers on best classroom practices, ensuring they provide the best learning experiences possible.

In addition to his work in music and education, Chonz continues to give back through The DJ Chonz Foundation, which focuses on empowering youth, providing scholarships, and creating opportunities for aspiring DJs and creatives. His foundation bridges young people looking to break into the music industry, ensuring that talent and passion—not financial barriers—determine success.

 

Whether he's promoting events, mentoring DJs, or leading in education, DJ Chonz's mission remains the same: to share his love of music, build community, and empower the next generation through the art of DJing.

From nightclub turntables to the classroom, from booking DJs to coaching educators, and from philanthropy to mentorship—DJ Chonz continues to shape Denver's culture, one beat at a time.